The NBA season is just around the corner and this year point guards could play a key role in who wins the title and heading into the 2015-16 slate, players like Stephen Curry, Chris Paul, Russell Westbrook, John Wall and Damian Lillard rate the highest at their position.
Players like Kyrie Irving and Derrick Rose are injured so they are out for now, while players like Mike Conley, Goran Dragic, Kyle Lowry and Tony Parker also deserve consideration in the top 10 overall. Here is a look at some of the top point guards heading into the season.
Stephen Curry, Warriors
Curry had a great year and won MVP last season and he comes in as the top point guard until he is knocked off his perch. Curry did not set career highs across the board with his stats, but he made a major impact for his team, averaging 23 points, 7.7 assists and shooting 48 percent from the floor. Curry is a playmaker and he can do it on defense as well after averaging a career best 2.0 steals per game last season.
Chris Paul, Clippers
Paul is always in the mix as the top point guard and he should be, as he has been one of the best players in the NBA during the course of his career. Last season Paul averaged a league best 10.2 assists per game and he helped get Los Angeles deep into the playoffs, but not to the finals. Paul played in all 82 games last season and averaged 19 points and over four rebounds per game and he also shot 48 percent from the floor. This year the Clippers have made major moved heading into the season and Paul will have to lead the way for Doc Rivers.
Russell Westbrook, Thunder
Westbrook is one of the best in the league when healthy and over the past two years the point guard has missed time with injuries. Westbrook and Kevin Durant are hoping to stay healthy to make a run this season and Westbrook comes in after a strong finish to last year, as he averaged 32 points, nearly 11 assists and 9.7 rebounds per game over his 15 games played after the All-Star game. Westbrook also finished leading the league with 28 points per game and if Durant is healthy it's likely that number will come down a bit. Westbrook is as exciting as any point guard in the league.
John Wall, Wizards
Wall has been the centerpiece for the Wizards since he was drafted and the team has made it into the playoffs over the past couple years, although they are not considered real contenders for a title. Wall gives the team a chance and he comes in after averaging a career best 10.0 assists last season and shooting a high of 44 percent from the floor.
Damian Lillard, Blazers
Lillard has developed into one of the best players in the league and now with LaMarcus Aldridge in San Antonio, this is totally Lillard's team. Last season Lillard averaged 21 points and shot a career best 43 percent from the field and this season he should have even more chances to score and dish some assists with the changes to the Blazers roster. The 25-year-old has increased his scoring average in each of the past three seasons and last year he averaged a career best 1.2 steals per game. Lillard is durable as well, not missing a game in three seasons.
Check here for more on the NBA season and the upcoming schedule.
